JENS WISSING (Head Coach) : "We've had a string of matches up until now, so during this break, we focused on letting the players refresh themselves. We were also able to use this time to train hard. It was important to get everyone in shape so that they could play anytime, anywhere, in preparation for the matches in April, and I think we were able to do that. Kyoto finished third last year, and they've entered this season with pretty much the same Head Coach and players. They have good players and physical strength, so I think they're a really good team. However, since it's our home ground, we want to go for the win. I think it's important to show as much of our own style of football as possible, so we want to prepare well and go into the match."

FW8 Ryotaro MESHINO : "During this break, we've been able to train with high intensity again, so I think we'll be able to approach the Kyoto match with high intensity and confidence. Our image of Kyoto hasn't changed from before, but I don't think we're inferior this year in terms of ball control and transitions, so I think it's important for everyone to have a shared understanding of these aspects, as well as how to break down the press against an opponent that comes at us with a high line and high press, and where the space is. If we can beat Kyoto, who will be coming at us with momentum, we'll be able to go into the next ACL2 semi-final home game in a really good mood, so I think this match is very important. First of all, we want to focus on the match in front of us and fight hard."

MF13 Shuto ABE: "As the Head Coach said, I think Kyoto is a team that's a bit similar to us. They press from the front, they're strong in tackles, and they run a lot, but we've been working hard since training camp to surpass that intensity, so I don't think we'll lose in that regard. In addition, because Kyoto will be pressing from the front, there will definitely be space behind them, and we have fast players up front, so we want to make the most of that and fight. Kobe is currently in first place, and this time it's a match between second place (Kyoto) and third place (GAMBA OSAKA), and they're both on points, so I think this will be a match that will affect the standings going forward. We really can't afford to lose, and all the players know that, so we want to get all three points. We want to play a good game, win, and carry that momentum into the ACL2 semi-finals."